Description

Personality

A man of his word, Lugaid was said to have never broken a promise. Amongst his people, he had the name of the smiling king, known for his good humour and approachability, though also known for his fierce temper and capacity for revenge if crossed. Less heavily built than his brother, he was always the more cunning in a fight, and his thirst for adventure, to prove himself greater than his elder brother, born just minutes before, was damning.

Equipment

His ancestral weapon, the Gaebolga, a fine spear with a blade of bone.

History

Lugaid was born one of twin sons to the king of Seanrath. His childhood was one of strict training, his brother a companion in everything, from martial training to the regular childish escapades, like the time they sneaked out into town together to steal trinkets from the jewellers. Both grew into strong young men, holding to their chests the honour of the land, crown prince and general alike, their prowess in battle proved again and again.

In the midst of one campaign, a messenger brought word of their fathers failing health. The brother arrived in time to see his last breaths, delivering a cryptic message to the boys, to move the throne of Seanrath and dig beneath the halls. They did as he asked, chest impossibly old, constaining two weapons. Each took one, as was his preference, Cadeyrn taking a sword, Lugaid a spear, each a relic weapon of not inconsiderable power.

It was only natural for the brothers to choose to rule together, and this they did, and over the following years, under their wise leadership, the country flourished, shrewd diplomacy increasing the standing of Seanrath amongst its neighbours, and several successful military engagements expanding its power base and lands. In time, the court of nobles started to pressure the twins, implying that the country needed heirs, citing rumblings of war and the case of their father. Understanding that their children would never be as close as they, the twins agreed to split the lands equally, each ruling one half, the kings of Sean and Rath.

Barely two years later, each brother was invited to a great feast in the court of a neighbouring king, Oisin. Lugaid attended with his closest advisors, and was immediately struck with the beauty of Oisin's daughter, one lady Assa. Sometime near the end of festivities, he approached Oisin, asking for his daughters hand, to rule Rath as its queen. Oisin replied that he was not the first man to ask that on this day, and that another sought her hand, the king of Sean. Cadeyrn.

Each vying for her hand, Oisin announced that the man who would rid him of two great problems that plagued his court would receive the right to marry his daughter in gratitiude. Hearing this, each brother immediately saddled their horse and left the court. Lugaid headed towards the harbour, two days ride, where a great serpent was plaguing the ships of king Oisin. Drawing the beast out of hiding by scattering the seas before its cave with entrails at sunset, Lugaid leapt from the cliffs above on to its head, emerging from the cave the following morning, sopping wet and covered in blood, dragging its head behind him.

Returning triumphant, Lugaid's stomach fell as he saw his brothers party, already waiting. Always equals, each had arrived within an hour of the other. With no other choice, Oisin gave the brothers an ultimatum. He who brought the most impressive gift would have his daughter.

Lugaid immediately sent instruction to empty the vaults of Rath, the treasures within a fine price for any woman. His brother brought 500 fine cows and his prized stud bull, a canny choice, seeing as the cattle stables of king Oisin were sparsely filled. It was this the good king chose, his daughter instructed she would marry Cadeyrn in but one month.

It was not to be. In the time they had spent together, Assa had fallen in love with Lugaid just as deeply as he desired her, and the denial of her love only made that feeling stronger. She came to him the night before she was due to be wed, begging him to steal her away. It took her many hours, but finally she convinced him they could run, that they could deal with the storm of retribution there would no doubt be, if only they were together. And so they ran.

Cadeyrn followed, furious that his bride to be had been stolen from him, and by his own blood. He found them the following morning,and immediately challenged his brother to a duel. Their fight was long and drawn, a lifetime of training together and fighting alongside one another coming hard, each blocking the others thrusts, returning with another own trick that would be swiftly countered. Finally, wracked with fatigue, Lugaid saw the tiniest opening in his brothers guard and Gaebolga slipped through, striking a wound that would prove mortal, as did any from the spear. Instantly filled with shame and regret, the spear fell from his fingers as he turned to Assa, walking numbly to her. Behind him, his brother rose, an avatar of rage and vengeance, and lunged. Assa darted in front of him, taking the thrust, but as she fell back, Lugaid turning, screaming, his brothers sword pushed through her and into his heart, killing him instantly.

Now, with the will of fate, the brothers will have another chance at life, and at glory.